Due to their huge complexity , offshore engineering projects are divided into smaller interrelated subprojects , each one dealing with an abstract representation of the others . Because decisions are interdependent , collaboration is a key issue in this aera. Each team activity or decision can affect others. For example, during the design of an oil platform, changing the position of large and heavy equipment in the process plant can compromise the stability of the production unit . In some cases there is also an intrinsic coupling among the solutions of the different subprojects,which requires intensive interaction and discussion among the teams involved. This is the case of the mooring system allows the production unit to experience high fluctuations, this can damage the production risers ; on the other hand , the mere presence of risers helps to reduce the movements of the production unit , contributing positively to the equilibrium of the system. In order to achieve collaboration and interoperability between those subprojects , a software – based interface is required .